Modular Snake Bite Protector

ABSTRACT

A modular snake bite protector assembly is provided comprising shin, calf and instep foot protector modules of curved metal mesh. Some embodiments comprise hook and loop fastening straps to fasten the shin and calf modules together about a user&#39;s leg. And some embodiments comprise a flexible leather ankle protector located between the instep foot protector module and the shin protector module in order to resist snake bite to the ankle.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a protector assembly for protecting a wearer's leg. Embodiments of the present invention have particular, although not exclusive application to a modular snake bite protector assembly.

A risk that is posed to people that work and take recreation in natural environments is that of snake bite.

In regions where snakes are common, the risk of snake bite is all too real and presents a serious danger. For example, it is reported in the article Snakebite in tropical Australia: a prospective study in the “Top End” of the Northern Territory (by Bart J Currie in the Medical Journal of Australia 2004; 181 (11/12): 693-697) that in an eight year period between 1989 and 1998 there were 348 suspected snake bites reported with 114 evacuations to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment being required.

People that work in regions where snakes are prevalent may take precautions such as wearing long trousers of thick material in addition to sturdy leather boots.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,853 there is described a legging for preventing snake guards that is made of stainless steel mesh and which is shaped in the form of a stocking without a foot sole. The main body is shaped like a long stocking which on its rear has a vertical slit that can be widened so that a person's leg can be inserted. The foot of the legging is integrally formed with the leg portion. Leather straps and buckles are provided to secure the legging about a wearer's leg and foot. In the preferred embodiment that is described, there are fourteen buckles on each legging and seven straps per legging.

While the above-described anti-snake bite legging affords protection against snake bite, it is accompanied by a number of draw backs. For example, it is time consuming for a person to don the legging since numerous straps and buckles must be fastened. Once the leggings have been donned the wearer's ankle flexibility is greatly reduced since the leg and foot portions of the legging are formed in one piece. Furthermore, over time there may be a tendency for the mesh to crimp or otherwise bend.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a snake protection guard assembly that addresses one or more of the above described drawbacks that are associated with the prior art discussed above and, in some embodiments, other issues.

SUMMARY

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a modular snake bite protector assembly for a wearer's leg, the assembly comprising:

-   -   a shin protector module of curved metal mesh;     -   a calf protector module of curved metal mesh; and     -   straps for fastening the shin protector module to the calf         protector module about the wearer's leg.

Preferably the modular snake bite protector assembly further comprises an instep foot protector module of curved metal mesh.

A flexible ankle protector may be provided between the instep foot protector module and the shin protector module.

Reinforcement ribs may be provided to strengthen the curved metal mesh.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a modular protector assembly for protecting a wearer's leg, the assembly comprising:

-   -   a shin protector module for protecting a shin of the leg;     -   a calf protector module for protecting a calf of the leg; and     -   one or more fasteners for fastening the shin protector module to         the calf protector module.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a modular snake bite protector assembly for a wearer's leg comprising at least one protection module comprising a shin protector, calf protector or instep foot protector, made of a metal mesh curved to complement a corresponding portion of the leg of the wearer and comprising hook and loop straps for attachment of said module to the wearer.

Features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following detailed description, which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The detailed description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary in any way. The detailed description will make reference to a number of drawings throughout as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Like reference numbers are used throughout the figures to refer to like items.

FIG. 1 depicts a modular snake bite protector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a modular snake bite protector according to a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

While some of the specific embodiments described below will reference the embodiments with specific configurations, those of skill in the art will realize that embodiments of the present disclosure may advantageously be implemented with other configurations with similar issues or problems.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a modular snake bite protector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The snake bite protector is comprised of three modules being a front of leg or shin protector 1, a rear of leg or calf protector 3 and an instep foot protector 5.

Each of the protector modules is formed of a strong stainless steel mesh 7 that is curved to complement the anatomy of the corresponding part of the leg that it is intended to fit over. The mesh is fine enough, and strong enough to prevent a snake's fangs from penetrating through the mesh in the event of a snake bite to the wearer's leg or foot occurring. A strengthening border 17 is provided around the mesh 7 of each of the protector modules to add to the rigidity of the protectors and to protect the user from the sharp ends of the mesh.

Complementary fasteners, in the form of hook and loop straps 9 and patches 11 are provided in order to fasten the calf protector 3 to the shin protector 1 about a wearer's leg in use. The hook and loop straps and patches may be, e.g., Velcro®. The instep foot protector 5 is provided with a further hook and loop sole strap 13 that may also be Velcro® and which is intended to extend under the wearer's shoe in use for fastening to, e.g., a corresponding Velcro® patch 15.

In order to add strength to the mesh construction of the protector modules, reinforcement ribs 21 may be attached to the mesh as shown in FIG. 2.

It will be realized that the ankle gap between the instep foot protector 5 and the shin guard 1, indicated as item 25 in FIG. 1, constitutes a region of vulnerability to snake bite. In order to reduce this vulnerability, an ankle protector 23 may be provided to cover the gap 25 as shown in FIG. 2. The ankle protector 23 (or connector) may be made of a strong, thick flexible material, such as leather and is fastened between the instep foot protector 5 and the shin protector 1 to interconnect them together.

While some embodiments are made of a metallic mesh, such as a stainless steel mesh, the various modules may alternatively be made of some other fang-impenetrable material, for example a sheet of thick, flexible plastic or leather.

The protector of many embodiments is suitable for protecting a leg against a snake bite. Furthermore, the protector of many embodiments is suitable for protecting the leg against flying debris resulting from the operation of a brush cutter (e.g. “wipper snipper”) or lawn mower. Accordingly, the protector may also be well suited for use by a workman in areas where snakes are not likely to frequent.

The protector of several embodiments comprises straps. Alternatively, the straps may be replaced by alternative fasteners such as snap fit button arrangements.

In one embodiment, the shin protector and calf protector may be hinged together on one side of the protector assembly and comprise a single fastener for fastening the shin protector and calf protector together on the other side of the protector assembly.

In present specification and claims, the word “comprising” and its related and derivative terms, including “comprises” and “comprise”, are to be interpreted in an inclusive sense as including each of the stated integers but without excluding the inclusion of one or more further integers.

In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises illustrative forms of putting embodiments of the invention into effect.

The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. 

1. A modular snake bite protector assembly for a wearer's leg, the assembly comprising: a shin protector module of curved metal mesh; a calf protector module of curved metal mesh; and straps for fastening the shin protector module to the calf protector module about the wearer's leg.
 2. A modular snake bite protector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an instep foot protector module of curved metal mesh.
 3. A modular snake bite protector assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a fang resistant flexible ankle protector between the instep foot protector module and the shin protector module.
 4. A modular snake bite protector assembly for a wearer's leg according to claim 1, wherein reinforcement ribs are provided to strengthen the curved metal mesh of one or more of said modules.
 5. A modular protector assembly for protecting a wearer's leg, the assembly comprising: a shin protector module for protecting a shin of the leg; a calf protector module for protecting a calf of the leg; and one or more fasteners for fastening the shin protector module to the calf protector module.
 6. A protector assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a foot protector for protecting a foot of the leg.
 7. A protector assembly according to claim 6, further comprising a flexible connector for interconnecting the foot protector and the shin protector module.
 8. A protector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the flexible connector is resistant to snake fang penetration.
 9. A protector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the flexible connector comprises leather material.
 10. A protector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein each protector module comprises a curved panel.
 11. A protector assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein each curved panel is formed from one of mesh, plastic and leather material.
 12. A protector assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein each panel is bounded by a strengthening border.
 13. A protector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein each shin and calf protector module further comprises reinforcement ribs to reinforce the protector.
 14. A protector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein each fastener comprises a strap.
 15. A protector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein each fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener.
 16. A protector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said one or more fasteners comprise a plurality of fasteners for fastening the shin protector and calf protector modules on opposite sides of the protector assembly.
 17. A protector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fasteners can fasten the shin and calf protector modules together so that they surround the wearer's leg.
 18. A modular snake bite protector assembly for a wearer's leg comprising at least one protection module comprising a shin protector, calf protector or instep foot protector, made of a metal mesh curved to complement a corresponding portion of the leg of the wearer and comprising hook and loop straps for attachment of said module to the wearer. 